ASCOT United crashed out of the Bluefin Cup in controversial style when losing 2-1 to Highmoor Ibis at The Racecourse ground on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

A Paul Coyne penalty saw the Yellamen draw level just as the second-round tie was about to go into stoppage time.

Highmoor moved straight onto the attack and Jamie Piercy scored his second goal of the afternoon to win the game, but Ascot claimed the ball had gone “three foot out of play” in the build-up.

Their furious protests led to assistant manager Paul McGrotty being ordered out of the dug-out by referee Chris Potter.

It completed another disappointing and frustrating afternoon for United, who must also increasingly concerned by their falling gates, with the attendance on Saturday being given as just 25.

The small crowd saw the hosts make a promising start with Romaine Walker and James Goodey looking threatening, but their goal also came under pressure with Danny Lingwood and Marcus Richardson both going close for the visitors.

The home side continued to attack down both flanks, but Ascot, with just four goals in their last eight games, were once again let down by poor finishing.

A pinpoint pass from Louis Gilpin released James Smith, whose first-time cross should have been converted by Jessie Wilson or Goodey.

And Ascot were made to pay for their missed chances when in the 32nd minute Piercy coolly slotted home in the bottom right corner.

Earley in the second half Walker flashed a dipping effort narrowly wide, while Goodey’s header was chalked off for offside when he nodded home Gavin Brainch’s cross.

Goodey then scuffed a shot wide on 55 minutes before seeing his next effort being tipped over the bar by keeper Sean Saxty.

After home keeper Carl Dennison had brought off a brilliant save, Goodey missed another chance to score when Saxty misjudged a cross.

The Yellamen continued to huff and puff without success and it eventually needed Coyne’s penalty to bring them level when Highmoor’s Austin Best had handled.

But moments later Jeff Lamb’s men fell behind again with Piercy firing into the bottom right-hand corner.

Ascot United, who lie 12th in the Premier Division standings, are away to league leaders Thatcham Town this Saturday (3pm ko).